New Acquisitions and Robert Moskowitz: Work from 1989-1998, Jan – Mar 2004

Thursday, January 1, 2004

Alan Koppel Gallery Presents Two New Exhibitions:
ROBERT MOSKOWITZ: Work from 1989-1998 and NEW ACQUISITIONS
Opens January 23rd, 2004

Robert Moskowitz’s minimalist works study the reduction of their once identifiable subjects towards total abstraction. To further this diminution, Moskowitz treats his medium like an element of the composition. In the drawings, the artist’s well-known layered use of pastels reveals his handiwork by making use of his pastel-covered fingerprints. In the paintings, his sober choice of palette and clean application render the architectural objects silent and reflective. The selection of paintings and drawings on view represent several major themes Moskowitz has revisited during his long career, including the World Trade Towers, circles and windmills. In a large untitled drawing from 1989, the objects are almost unrecognizable if not for the tension created in their composition. Upon closer inspection, the close-up study of abstracted shapes reveals the bow of a ship and the anchor’s chain. Similarly, in the painting Skyscraper, 1998, the Twin Towers are rendered as minimalist black columns against a solid grey background. A simple gesture at the top of the canvas suggests two roof tops and suddenly the towers’ sheer scale is exposed.

New Acquisitions in Gallery A includes photographs from Vik Muniz’ “Picture of Color Series”, Katharina Bosse’s sex rooms, a new video piece by Kirsten Geisler, sculpture and drawings by Edward Lipski, inkblot drawings by Bruce Conner and photographs by Diane Arbus.

Press images are available upon request. There is no opening reception for this exhibition. For further details and questions please contact Rebecca Epstein or Laura Ellsworth at 312.640.0730 or at alankoppel@earthlink.net.